Jerry Doyle Garland

USAF (Ret)

March 16, 1946-June 17, 2026

Jerry Doyle Garland was born on March 16, 1946 in Fairmount, Georgia to Blaine and Leola Garland. After graduation from Cass High School in 1964 and West Georgia College in 1968, he joined the United States Air Force in August of that year. He served with honor for 23 years, retiring as a full Colonel.

Among his many honors were the Legion Merit Medal, three Meritorious Service Medals, three Air Force Commendation Medals, three Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards, two Air Force Organizational Excellence Awards, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal.

Following his Air Force retirement, he worked with a bus touring company for a few years before beginning a new career with the State of Georgia. After 13 years, he retired as the Department of Labor District Director for North Georgia.

He was married to his high school sweetheart, Lorena Ann Cornett Garland for 59 wonderful years. They have three beloved children, Tim Garland (Katia), Jennifer Robinson (Lance), Amanda Brown (Josh), six grandchildren, Callie Tutherow (Dillon), William Garland, Chloe Garland, Mason Brown, Emily Robinson, and Micah Brown. He has two great grandchildren, Roman and Rosalie Tutherow. He has one sister, Geraldine Cvazquezie, and one brother Ronald Garland and several nieces and nephews.

Jerry was an ordained deacon in the Baptist church, taught Sunday School and Bible Study, sang in the choir and quartet. He loved his Lord, his family, and his church and country. He enjoyed camping, gardening and spending quality time with friends and family.

Funeral service for Colonel Garland will be held at Rowland Springs Baptist Church, 79 Rowland Springs Rd, Cartersville, GA 30121 on Tuesday, June 23 with visitation from 1:00 to 3:00 with the service to follow at 3:00 with Pastors Matt McGukin, Joseph Ringwalt and Josh Brown officiating. Interment will be at the Georgia National Cemetery, Canton GA at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Pall bearers will be Bill Graham, Sam Franklin Jr., Tommy Baynard, Ronnie Nix, Randy Reese, and Phillip Sutton.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Rowland Springs Baptist Church future building fund.

Owen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements for Colonel Jerry Doyle Garland.